Florence Lake is a beautiful high sierra lake that offers excellent camping, hiking, picnicking, fishing, and horseback riding opportunities. It is also a starting point for wilderness hikers traveling to John Muir Wilderness and Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park.
Several campgrounds and cabins are in the area that provides visitors with comfortable places to stay while enjoying all the lake has to offer. Altho many campgrounds in the area, only two are right next to Florence Lake, the Florence Lake Campground and Jackass Meadow.
Florence Lake Campground
The Florence Lake Campground is a 17-campsite campground located near Ward Lake and Florence Lake Resort in Mono County, California. The Campground is open from June to October, with fees doubling during holidays.
The Campground offers a variety of amenities, including a pool and spa, but no water or sewer hookups are available. The campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
The Campground is open from mid-June through October, with a maximum of 17 campsites. Fees are charged based on the number of people occupying each campsite, ranging from $14 per night for one person to $28 per night for two people.
Camping is first-come, first served, and there are no reservations available. Fees double during holiday periods such as the Fourth of July and Labor Day.
Campground amenities include a pool, playground equipment, hot showers, flush toilets with electric flushing capability (no water hookups), and an RV dump station.
Jackass Meadow
If you’re looking for a quiet and scenic camping location, Jackass Meadow Campground is a great place to check out. The Campground is suitable for tents, RVs, and trailers and has easy access to fishing in Florence Lake and several trails in the wilderness. Keep in mind that the Campground has a maximum of 50 sites.
The Campground is located near Florence Lake and Kaiser Pass Rd. There are six people per site and two vehicles per site. The Campground charges $10 per night for an additional vehicle. Pets are allowed but must be on a leash and attended to at all times.
The Campground is located near attractions such as the Head Out onto the Handicapped trail. Weather permitting, the Campground is open from late May through late September, and reservations are recommended.
The Campground has picnic tables, fire rings, and bear-proof food storage lockers. There is no hookup availability and no dump station.
What to Pack?
When packing for a camping trip to Florence Lake, it is essential to bring plenty of water and snacks. Pack your tent and sleeping bag, and leave the electronics at home. Bring your bathing suit, towel, and a map and compass.
Be prepared for rain and cold weather by packing appropriate clothing. If you plan to camp overnight, be sure to bring a flashlight and extra batteries.
Florence Lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming. There are several boat ramps on the lake that provide access to the water, so if you plan on fishing, you can either bring your own fishing equipment or rent it from one of the local businesses.
What are the activities offered?
A variety of activities are available at Florence Lake Camping, including boat rentals, birding, fishing, miniature golf, and geocaching. A store on-site sells fishing supplies, ice, snacks, and souvenirs.
The Campground has one boat launch for use by registered campers. The lake has been stocked with rainbow trout and brown trout.
Fishing is allowed from the shoreline, but for safety reasons, no boats are permitted to be launched or operated within 100 feet of any dock or boat launch area. The Campground provides walking trails for exploring the surrounding area.
Hours of operation
The Campground at Florence Lake has different hours of operation each day. The office opens at 8 am and closes at 5 pm. The park is open from 7 am to 10 pm. Different services have different hours of operation, so check the schedule before you visit.
Nearby attractions to Florence Lake Campground
The Florence Lake Campground is adjacent to the John Muir Wilderness and the Sierra National Forest. This makes it a great place to camp if you’re looking to explore the wilderness or go for hikes in the forest.
The Campground also has a store and main parking lot nearby and a picnic area, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy the scenery. Camping at Florence Lake is a great way to get away from it all.
There are no showers or hookups, but the Campground has water and toilets available. There are also no RVs allowed in the Campground, so you’ll have to either bring a tent or rent one from the store.
How’s Fishing?
Florence Lake offers fishing for Rainbow trout, Brown trout, and bass. The lake is stocked annually. Catch-and-release fishing for bass is allowed only in the spring and summer months (April 1 through August 31). Anglers may keep one bass daily with a valid California fishing license and applicable trout stamp.
Hiking Trails
Florence Lake is a beautiful place to spend some time, and the hiking trails offer stunning views of the area. If you’re looking for a great way to explore the area and get some exercise, hiking is a great option.
The hike-in site is the best option for those looking to get away from it all and enjoy some time in nature. There are several hiking trails in the area, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and interests.
The trails vary in difficulty, so there is something for everyone. Whether you want a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, you’ll find a track that’s right for you.
